Theology/
Man and Sin

From the example of Job and other key biblical figures such as Paul, we learn that it is right and proper to make a defense of ourselves and to not repent for sin that we have not committed. Sometimes, as ...Read More

Christ’s forsakenness as a man under the judgment of God could never be permanent. Jesus’ humble submission to His father as a sacrifice of infinite worth meant that He could fully pay for our sin and thus exhaust the ...Read More

As we have noted, the proverbs are not guaranteed promises for this life. We cannot, therefore, apply them in a wooden fashion and grow disillusioned when, for example, Proverbs 16:7 goes unfulfilled and our enemies remain firm in their ...Read More

Seeing the wicked succeed can be discouraging, especially when we are suffering for the sake of righteousness. Yet what we should never do, today’s passage tells us, is envy the wicked and their success. The success of the wicked ...Read More

The author of Hebrews tells us that God’s discipline may seem painful at the moment, but the lasting harvest of righteousness that it creates is well worth all the trouble we must endure (Heb. 12:3–11). Not all ...Read More

Christians are to be so trustworthy that no one would need to demand an oath of us in ordinary circumstances in order to be sure that we will keep our word. In the context of making a solemn covenant, however ...Read More

Believers are concerned to mortify sin and grow in holiness, so it is easy to become discouraged when we feel like we are failing in this task and are struggling against the sins that seem to overpower us. If you ...Read More

Proverbs 1:17 shows us that following after sin is foolish by comparing those who follow evildoers to fowlers trying to trap a bird. Ancient fowlers would sneak up behind birds on the ground and throw a net over them ...Read More

The manner in which God exercises His providential rule is a mystery, but we know that He never directs us in such a way that we cease to be morally responsible for our actions. Though the Lord ordains whatsoever comes ...Read More

Matthew Henry comments, “There is not a greater enemy to the power of religion, and the fear of God in the heart, than conceitedness of our own wisdom.” When we think we know better than the Lord, we have already ...Read More

Scripture is clear that God created man “very good,” willing and able to love and serve Him (Gen. 1:31a). Scripture is also clear that since the fall, humanity does not exist in this very good state. Instead, our created ...Read More

In Christ, our final defeat of Satan is assured, for Christ has already dealt the crushing blow. Satan’s condition is terminal, and there is no chance that he will see victory. Yet just as the devil bruised Jesus on ...Read More

God’s free pardon in our justification is a great blessing indeed, but it is only one part of what happens. We are also declared righteous in Christ and admitted to the full rights and privileges afforded to Him for ...Read More

Numbers 32:23 says that our sin will find us out. We live in fear if we are in impenitent sin because we know the truth of this verse, namely, that we cannot hide our wickedness forever. The only solution ...Read More

God’s wisdom has the final say in all matters. No plan, no matter how well conceived or potent, can keep Him from accomplishing His purposes. His enemies can advance only as far as He allows, and what might look ...Read More